MRM Greater China MD Jason Chau resigns after a decade

Chau (pictured) has been with the agency for 12 years and was promoted to the executive vice president and managing director role for Greater China  in 2007. This saw him move back to Hong Kong to lead the operations for the China and HK offices.

Orginally from New York, Chau has over 15 years of experience in integrated marketing in a global, regional and local capacity, with a focus on digital and CRM. He has helped clients like Microsoft, Intel, MasterCard, UPS, HSBC, AT&T, Sprint, Cathay Pacific, Goodyear, ExxonMobil, Nestle, Lancome, and Citibank build profitable relationships with their customers through innovative marketing programs, the agency said.

The search for a replacement is already quite advanced and MRM expect to make this announcement in the near future. Mark Cripps, EVP regional director, MRM Worldwide will take on the role as MRM lead for Greater China until a replacement appointment is confirmed.

Cripps said that the agency was looking for someone who was highly experienced in digital, CRM, technology marketing, idealy with direct market experience with the China markets.

MRM Greater China team is 200-strong with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Taipei. Its key clientele includes Intel, General Motors, Maybelline, Maybelline New York and L'Oreal's Active Cosmetics Division.

The agency cited that Greater China remains an absolute priority for the McCann Worldgroup and IPG. "The network remains fully committed to making the appropriate investments to ensure McCann Worldgroup companies compete as the leading marketing solutions network across the region," it said.

Cripps commented that, “I thank Jason for his commitment and contribution to developing the MRM network in Asia over the last 10 years and I wish him all the best for his future career elsewhere.”

Chau's resignation is a second blow to the McCann network in China, with TH Peng, CEO of McCann Worldgroup Greater China, announcing his resignation last month. He will join Grey Greater China as chairman and CEO in March next year.

Reported last May, Ben Karpin has joined MRM Hong Kong as digital analytics manager from IBM Australia.